North Carolina law gives older drivers a break

Starting the first of the year, more North Carolina residents can wait longer before renewing their driver’s licenses.

The new law allows drivers between 54 and 66 to renew licenses for eight years. Until now, state law has required affected drivers to renew their licenses every five years. People under 54 already are issued licenses for eight years. Older drivers must still renew every five years.

The rule change takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Supporters said the change makes sense because people are staying active later in life. Others said there are different ways to get unsafe older drivers off roads, including a state medical referral program.

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